Who to Choose? (Finished)

Chapter Twenty-One: Hospitalized

After the second task, Harry and Cedric kept on bugging me to go to the hospital wing because of my Hypothermia attack. I tried to swat them off but because I haven't really been feeling well, I decided to go. Both of them accompanied me there and waited while I talked with Madame Pomfrey.

"Hmm..I've never heard of hypothermia before.. What is it like?" She asked me.

"Hypothermia is a condition which my body grows weak under suddenly low temperature." I answered.

"Ahh.. Then you need to warm yourself up." She said while wrapping me in several sheets of blanket. "And you've got a slight fever. Miss Granger, I must say that you should stay here for a few days."

"B-but what about classes?" I stammered.

"Classes can wait for you, Miss Granger. But not for those two. Mr. Diggory and Mr. Potter, Off to classes!!" She said.

Both of the boys gave a last wave at me before leaving. I sighed.

"Not to worry. The pain would eventually go away. For now, here, drink this. That will help." She said, offering me a goblet full of green substance.

Carefully, I lifted it to my mouth and took a sip. I almost choked because of its bitter taste and slimy feeling. "What, in the name of Merlin is this?!"

"Are you sure you wanna know?" She asked, teasingly. When I shook my head, She smiled "I knew you wouldn't. Now when you’re done, take this one." She said and placed another goblet on the bedside table. "It induces sleep."

I quickly drained the nasty liquid and grabbed the other one. I looked up to Madame Pomfrey and asked "Does this involve my spirit getting on the loose again?"

She laughed and answered "No no.. It'll just help you sleep well."

I nodded and drained the drink in almost one gulp. It was sweet and smells fragrant. Within minutes, I could feel my eyes getting heavy and I drifted off to sleep.

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I woke up as a ray of sunshine hit my face. I yawned and was a bit surprised to see Cedric sitting on a stool beside me with his head on my bed while holding my hand. I stared at his beauty for a while before brushing a few strands of hair away from his face.

"You're so...beautiful." I whispered.

"I am?" He answered, opening one of his eyes.

Surprised, I quickly pulled my hand away from him and looked away "I-I didn't know you were awake."

He chuckled and asked "You okay? Do you need anything?"

"Ermm. No nothing.. I'm fine." I answered, still not over about what just happened.

There was silence before he spoke "Hey, Hermione.. You've noticed that I haven't been nagging you for days now. But tell me; Am I really waiting for something?"

Instantly, I knew what he was talking about. I heaved a sigh and answered "Cedric, everything's just so..So fast. And I can't think straight. There are so many happenings especially with the tournament. I-I don't think I'm ready to make a decision yet. And I-I've promised my parents I'll consult them for their opinion before getting involved in a relationship."

His smile faded a little and his eyes grew cold. I felt guilty. "Cedric, I'm so sorry. Listen. I'm not closing the doors. I just don't think it's already time to let someone in."

"No, I-It's okay. I understand." I can see him forcing a smile as he said "I guess I'll leave for now. I'll see you later okay?"

As he kissed my forehead, I saw Harry and Luna standing on the doorway. They were holding hands. Like noticing my distraction, Cedric turned and saw the two.

"Oh.. I-I was just leaving." He stood up and took a last look at me before leaving completely.

They walked beside my bed and placed a bowl and a goblet on my bedside table.

"How are you feeling Hermione?" Luna asked.

"I'm good." 

"Okay. Oh, here, Ron and Harry helped Hagrid prepare this. It's pumpkin soup." She said handing me over the bowl. "And Me, Ginny, and some other Hufflepuff girls helped in making this pumpkin juice. And since you're stuck here, we decided to bring you breakfast. You must be hungry."

I haven't even answered when Ron came busting in, "Hermione!! Good thing you're awake! Mum sent you these." He said, tossing over a package.

"What's this?" I asked.

"I told her you're sick and she sent some Pumpkin pie. She made that herself." He explained.

"Is it world's pumpkin day today?" I asked, completely stunned with all these.

"No.. We just thought it would help you recover. I..I mean, we do care about you" Harry said.

"Oh... thank you." I simply said.

When I was finished with my very pumpkin-sy breakfast, Madame Pomfrey came rushing in. "Too many visitors! It's getting crowded in here. Out!! One of you out!!"

Harry quickly stood up "I'll be getting some air. Get well soon, Hermione." Then he left.

Luna watched him go and said "I guess it’s better to go with him. See you later, Mione!" Then she followed Harry out.

I looked at Ron expectantly "Don't tell me you're leaving too?"

"We have divination Hermione..." He said.

"Oh.. yeah.. okay.. go on.. " I said.

"I'd stay if you want to.." He offered but I politely declined. He shrugged and stood up. "Okay then. I'll visit later. Take care." He patted my head and left.

I sat there, completely bored out of my mind. I wish I can leave.

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The rest of the afternoon passed by with me having lots of visitors. Professor Dumbledore came with Professor McGonagall to check up on me, Ginny and Viktor handed me some notes that she had jotted down during classes and told me about their lessons too. Fleur and Ron visited too to hand over some snacks (If you consider chocolate frogs and Treacle Fudge as snacks). A little later, Hannah, and Susan passed by with the twins to update me with the news around Hogwarts (Mostly gossips like who's dating who and who fell down the stairs or who 's the latest victim of the twins' pranks and who got caught whispering in class). Before the day ended, Dean visited and gave me a painting he made himself. It was the view of a seaside. I completely loved it. I was a little disappointed when neither Harry nor Cedric came to visit again. In their place, I had a much unexpected visitor.

"Professor Binns!! What brings you here?" I asked, completely surprised.

He let out a chuckle and said "Well, visiting you most probably, Miss Granger." Then his face turned serious as he floated beside me. "I've got news about the tournament."

"And what's that professor?" I asked, interested.

He looked around before continuing "A maze. That's the next task."

~What?! A maze? Piece of cake..~

As if reading my thoughts, Professor shook his head "Think it's easy? No it's not, for this maze is an enchanted one. Full of traps and dangerous creatures. One must be completely courageous and smart to get through it. Don't ask where I knew it but do tell Potter and the others to be careful."

I gulped and nodded "O-Of Course professor. I will."

He laughed, breaking the eeriness of the situation, as he handed me a batch of Cauldron cakes with a note saying "Get well soon, Miss Grant."

I can't help but smile, I thought he already got the hang of my name but I guess I was wrong. "Thank you Professor."

He bid me goodbye and left.

~A Maze. An Enchanted Maze. That was the third task.~